Fiskmarkaðurinn

Fiskmarkaðurinn, the Fish Market, is a seafood-focused restaurant in central Reykjavik. It is on Aðalstræti, one of the oldest streets in the city, and describes itself as a modern Icelandic restaurant with an Asian twist. In practice that means Icelandic ingredients, above all fish and seafood, given flavours and techniques from Asian kitchens.

The regular menu offers a broad choice, and for those who like to hand over control there is an omakase option, in which the kitchen chooses a sequence of dishes for you. The restaurant offers a Christmas menu during the festive season, takeaway, gift cards and a private room for groups and celebrations.

Upstairs, directly above the restaurant on Aðalstræti, is Uppi Bar, a wine bar run as part of the same business. It is a good place for a glass before dinner or to continue the evening without heading out into the cold.

Fiskmarkaðurinn is open every evening from 17:00, closing at 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 22:30 on Friday and Saturday. Book ahead through Dineout, particularly at weekends and in the summer months, when the old town is busy with visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, and smart casual dress fits in well.

The kitchen's mix of Icelandic produce and Asian technique makes the restaurant a good choice for travellers who have already eaten traditional fish dishes and want something more inventive. If you are new to raw fish or have allergies, ask the staff for guidance when ordering, as they can explain how each dish is prepared. Groups celebrating a birthday or a work event can book the private room, which gives a little more privacy than the main dining room. Prices are in the upper middle range for central Reykjavik, so a full dinner with drinks is a treat rather than an everyday meal.

The restaurant suits seafood lovers, couples and groups who want something a little different from traditional Icelandic fish dishes. If you prefer simpler, classic cooking, the harbourside fish restaurants may suit you better, but for an inventive evening meal in the centre this is a strong choice. Aðalstræti is a few steps from Ingólfstorg and Austurvöllur squares, and the Settlement Exhibition of the Reykjavik City Museum is on the same street.